Power Electronics: A critical enabler of future hydrogen–electric systems for aviation
Fred Wang, Ruirui Chen, Zhou Dong
Abstract
In future hydrogen-powered electric aircraft, electric energy generated from hydrogen through turbine generators or fuel cells needs to be converted to suitable voltages and frequencies for propulsion motors and other loads. This conversion of electric power and energy is best realized through power electronics converters based on semiconductor technology. In other words, power electronics are a key enabler for hydrogen–electric systems for aviation. In addition to power conversion, power electronics can be used to control the power flow and for protection. Compared with the traditional electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic devices in aircraft, power electronics-based equipment is extremely flexible, easy to control, and fast, and it has built-in intelligence.